Improvement in counter-supports for boots and shoes



W. H. KOOPMAN. Counter Support for Boots and Shoes.

No. 208,612. Patented Oct. 1,1878.

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W Q R MG UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE.

-WILLIAM H. KOOPMAN, OF TERBE I-IAUTE, INDIANA.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No 208.612, dated October 1, 1878; application filed August 23, 1878.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, WILLIAM H. KooP- MAN, of Terre Haute, in the county of Vigo and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Counter-Supports; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

The nature of my invention consists in the construction and arrangement of a counterbrace and heel-supporter for boots and shoes, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth and embodied in the claims.

In the annexed drawings, to which reference is made, and which fully illustrate my invention, Figure 1 is a front elevation of my invention. Fig. 2 is a side view, and Fig. 3 a bottom view, of the same.

A represents the shank, and B the head, of my improved counter-brace and heel-support.

The shank A is made of steel or other suitable metal, and its lower end is formed with a swell, G, somewhat in crescent shape, forming two sharp side edges, a a, which are to be driven into the heel, and the lower surface of said swell should be arranged flush with, or a trifle below, the under surface of the heel, so as to form a hard bearing-surface, and thus prevent the wearing of the heel.

The head B is made of vulcanized rubber, and is made concave from end to end sufficiently to fit the outside of the counter of the boot or shoe.

At the junction of the rubber head B and metal shank A is formed an offset or shoulder, b, which is intended to come in between the base of the counter and the seat of the heel, and thereby force the counter of the boot or shoe into its right position.

The head B, being made of vulcanized rubher, will not cut the leather as metal would, and it will always remain black, whereas the metal head would soon become bright and show on the boot or shoe.

The shank A is provided with a tang or spur, d, which is driven into the side of the. heel, and the device is then fastened by a single nail, D. This nail is formed with a spear-point, h, and a slotted or screw head, The nail or brad l) is simply driven into the heel until its head rests in a countersink in the shank, when a half-turn is given to the nail. This sets it so that it will hold the sup port firmly to the heel.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A counter-support for boots and shoes, consisting of a metal shank, A, and a head, B, of vulcanized rubber, for the purposes set forth.

2. The combination of the counter-support A 13, having swell O, shoulder b, and tang or spur d, and the brad D, formed with the spearpoint h and screw-head 1 substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereunto afiixed my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WM. ll". KOOPMAN.

Witnesses WM. B. UPPERMAN,

FRANK GALT. 

